INSPIRATION for Phuket to battle through the difficult few months ahead is coming from an unlikely source: the island's Splash Jungle waterpark.
Chastised by cash-strapped expat resident grumps for its initial high prices, the waterpark's management made some adjustments and maintained faith in its future as the island's most tourism-oriented innovation. After all, the waterpark is a welcome additional attraction that the island hasn't had previously.
Today that faith (not to mention investment of 690 million baht in the state-of-the-art park) appears to be paying off, with attendances rising at Splash Jungle despite red protests in Bangkok and travel warnings.
''We just had a very good weekend and all our numbers are up,'' said Christopher R. Stuart, Splash Jungle's general manager. He agreed that the awareness graph for Splash Jungle is rising, even if it will inevitably intersect with a falling graph of tourist numbers this low season.
''We are penetrating the market,'' he said. ''Brochures are still going out to malls, our fleet of mini-buses is being seen around the island, and people will find it hard to avoid our billboards.''
Splash Jungle's attention is now being turned to Phuket International Airport, with light-box promotions and a booth coming soon.
The critics have been heard, with Splash Jungle adding shade areas and more benches, and even putting air-conditioning in the change rooms.
''Feedback has been very positive to the park,'' Mr Stuart said. And, with Phuket's beaches holding less appeal in the low season, a day at the waterpark in Mai Khao becomes an option for many visitors.
With more resorts opening in the Mai Khao region, the park's immediate target area will continue to grow for the forseeable future.
As for those who would love Splash Jungle if it was free, Mr Stuart said: ''We are constantly evaluation the price points but at present, we are very happy with the way the park is developing.''
Phuket Waterpark Slashes Entry Price in HalfChastised by cash-strapped expat resident grumps for its initial high prices, the waterpark's management made some adjustments and maintained faith in its future as the island's most tourism-oriented innovation. After all, the waterpark is a welcome additional attraction that the island hasn't had previously.
Today that faith (not to mention investment of 690 million baht in the state-of-the-art park) appears to be paying off, with attendances rising at Splash Jungle despite red protests in Bangkok and travel warnings.
''We just had a very good weekend and all our numbers are up,'' said Christopher R. Stuart, Splash Jungle's general manager. He agreed that the awareness graph for Splash Jungle is rising, even if it will inevitably intersect with a falling graph of tourist numbers this low season.
''We are penetrating the market,'' he said. ''Brochures are still going out to malls, our fleet of mini-buses is being seen around the island, and people will find it hard to avoid our billboards.''
Splash Jungle's attention is now being turned to Phuket International Airport, with light-box promotions and a booth coming soon.
The critics have been heard, with Splash Jungle adding shade areas and more benches, and even putting air-conditioning in the change rooms.
''Feedback has been very positive to the park,'' Mr Stuart said. And, with Phuket's beaches holding less appeal in the low season, a day at the waterpark in Mai Khao becomes an option for many visitors.
With more resorts opening in the Mai Khao region, the park's immediate target area will continue to grow for the forseeable future.
As for those who would love Splash Jungle if it was free, Mr Stuart said: ''We are constantly evaluation the price points but at present, we are very happy with the way the park is developing.''
Photo Album Phuket's state of the art waterpark, Splash Jungle, has slashed prices in half and is offering special deals for all Phuket residents. It's part of a new marketing strategy.
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"People will find it hard to avoid our billboards."
Yes, what an inspiration for our struggling island. Why do you insist on shilling for this eyesore? It's not welcome to all. If I want a water park I'll go to to Orlando.
Editor: Ah, at long last, a reader who has surveyed the island's residents and visitors and knows all their likes and dislikes.
Posted by arboretum on May 5, 2010 13:24